Plea for disabled adults play park in Bristol

Carers have highlighted a complete lack of play park provision for disabled adults in Bristol and mounted a campaign to change this.

A petition launched by Carina Andrews calling on the council to install dedicated outdoor facilities to meet a desperate need in the city has received more than 37,000 signatures in just a week.

It tells the story of Michele Morrice, a full-time carer to her 28-year-old son, Declan, who has severe Autism, is nonverbal, has challenging behaviour, Tourettes and Bipolar.

Declan loves going to the park, especially the bird swing, it is a vital source of fresh air, exercise, relaxation and stimulation for him. Yet, Michele says taking her six foot five son to existing play parks in Bristol is a stressful experience for both of them because of the nature of the space that is shared with children and encounters with other users, who she says can be unkind.

“Bristol City Council needs to provide a safe play setting for people aged 16 years and older with additional needs; for only them, their families, and carers to be able to access,” says Michele, who lives in Shirehampton.

“People with all types of disabilities including Autism, Dementia, learning difficulties and more could benefit from a space for them to safely be themselves. Many disabilities result in individuals developmental ages being much younger than their birth date.

“Play equipment helps with relaxation and being in a calming environment helps with mental health. As a carer, I find it upsetting that we have nowhere to access with our loved ones. It would give carers peace of mind that there is understanding of the issues we all face daily, so we would not be stressing when they display unpredictable behaviour.

“It would also be a great opportunity for carers to meet others in the same position, and we could share experiences.”

Carina has been a carer since the age of five, first for her mum, who has complex mental health needs, and then her dad, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

She launched a project called Invisible Army, along with photographer Tina Gue, in a bid to highlight the voices of unpaid carers and connect them with each other. It was through his work that Carina became aware of how many carers in Bristol and beyond are crying out for safe play spaces to take their loved ones.

Currently, some parks have dedicated slots when they allow just disabled adults to use them, but Carina says these tend to be early mornings and, for many carers, this is just not possible as it can often take a long time to get their loved ones out of the door.

“Someone like Declan needs activity and exercise and also loves the stimulation that play equipment brings, but there’s nowhere for him to go,” Carina tells Bristol24/7.

“Most parents accept that it’s not ideal to have fully grown adults in spaces with children, but the alternative is keeping them inside and that’s not healthy and not really possible.”

Carina Andrews (right) and Tina Gue launched Invisible Army to highlight the voices of unpaid carers – photo courtesy of Carina Andrews

There were a total of 40,138 carers in Bristol, according to the 2011 Census data and Carina says most of these people, as well as others, would benefit from proper adult play park facilities.

The Fishponds resident argues basic rights are going unmet because of the lack of provision of outdoor activity spaces and says there is also a need for equipment wheelchair users can go on, with most play parks currently not accessible enough.

The petition mentions Bournstream Outdoor Adventure Play site between Bristol and Gloucestershire, which was the nearest facility of its kind but now only caters for children.

It calls for a dedicated play park to be built, firstly in north Bristol and then one in the south of the city, adding: “This situation is affecting loads of disabled people and their carers in the Bristol area.”

Main photo courtesy of Michele Morrice

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